Preservation/exhumation of ultrahigh-pressure subduction complexes

doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2006.03.049

Lithos

Volume 92, Issues 3–4, December 2006, Pages 321-335

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2006.03.049 Get rights and content

Abstract

Ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic terranes reflect subduction of continental crust to depths of 90–140 km in Phanerozoic contractional orogens. Rocks are intensely overprinted by lower pressure mineral assemblages; traces of relict UHP phases are preserved only under kinetically inhibiting circumstances. Most UHP complexes present in the upper crust are thin, imbricate sheets consisting chiefly of felsic units ± serpentinites; dense mafic and peridotitic rocks make up less than ∼ 10% of each exhumed subduction complex. Roundtrip prograde–retrograde P–T paths are completed in 10–20 Myr, and rates of ascent to mid-crustal levels approximate descent velocities. Late-stage domical uplifts typify many UHP complexes.

Sialic crust may be deeply subducted, reflecting profound underflow of an oceanic plate prior to collisional suturing. Exhumation involves decompression through the P–T stability fields of lower pressure metamorphic facies. Scattered UHP relics are retained in strong, refractory, watertight host minerals (e.g., zircon, pyroxene, garnet) typified by low rates of intracrystalline diffusion. Isolation of such inclusions from the recrystallizing rock matrix impedes back reaction. Thin-aspect ratio, ductile-deformed nappes are formed in the subduction zone; heat is conducted away from UHP complexes as they rise along the subduction channel. The low aggregate density of continental crust is much less than that of the mantle it displaces during underflow; its rapid ascent to mid-crustal levels is driven by buoyancy. Return to shallow levels does not require removal of the overlying mantle wedge. Late-stage underplating, structural contraction, tectonic aneurysms and/or plate shallowing convey mid-crustal UHP décollements surfaceward in domical uplifts where they are exposed by erosion. Unless these situations are mutually satisfied, UHP complexes are completely transformed to low-pressure assemblages, obliterating all evidence of profound subduction.

Section snippets

Generation of UHP metamorphic complexes

Similar to circum-Pacific-type high-pressure (HP) metamorphic belts, UHP Alpine-type terranes mark convergent plate junctions (e.g., Hacker et al., 2003a). The former are characterized by subduction of thousands of kilometers of oceanic lithosphere, whereas the latter involve the consumption of an ocean basin followed by insertion of an island arc, microcontinent, or promontory of sialic crust into the suture zone. During Alpine-type continental collision, subducted quartzo-feldspathic sections

Body-force exhumation of subduction complexes

Studies (e.g., Ernst, 1971, Chopin, 1987) have shown that deep underflow of low-density material is responsible for the formation of both outboard Pacific- and Alpine-type metamorphic belts. During the circum-Pacific subduction of a chaotic, largely sedimentary mélange, devolatilization and increased ductility promote decoupling of subducted packets from the downgoing oceanic plate at the relatively shallow depths of 20–50 km, followed by ascent. In contrast, for a continental salient well

Rate of ascent

Petrotectonic features of Phanerozoic UHP metamorphic belts reflect their plate-tectonic settings (Table 1). The kinds of materials carried down subduction channels, extents of deep-seated devolatilization, and rates of transformation strongly influence the resultant natures of UHP metamorphic belts (Ernst et al., 1998). Exhumation to mid-crustal levels appears to have been driven principally by buoyancy, and the ascent in most cases was surprisingly rapid. Average exhumation rates (i.e., the

Conductive cooling by subduction zone imbricate faulting

Poor thermal conductivities of rocks are responsible for maintaining the high-P/low-T prograde metamorphic conditions accompanying underflow, but this property also dictates that deeply buried lithologic units tend to remain warm during rapid exhumation. Rocks cool slowly, and rising, buoyant subduction complexes decompress by passing through lower pressure (in some cases, higher temperature) crustal realms. For this reason, surviving UHP complexes exhibit the pervasive mineralogic overprinting

Tectonic aneurysms

Rapid uplift of domical bodies of continental crust seems to be occurring along convergent plate boundaries where curvilinear arcs intersect at large angles. These cusps evidently are loci of excess accumulations of sialic material. At such lithospheric plate junction discontinuities, the basal portions of overthickened continental crust gradually warm and soften. Deepest sections may partially melt, but in any case, the accumulated quartzo-feldspathic crust looses strength, becomes buoyant,

Final words

The geologic complexities of contractional orogenic belts have been studied for nearly two centuries, yet our understanding of them is still evolving. No two are identical; indeed, most mountain chains are unique, and individually exhibit marked petrotectonic contrasts and age relationships along their lengths. A few contain mineralogic relics reflecting UHP stages of recrystallization but because of thorough and complete back reaction, many other compressional lithotectonic belts may have been

Acknowledgments

This study was support by Stanford University. I obtained critical feedback and constructive reviews from my colleagues J. G. Liou, Mary Leech, and Page Chamberlain. Helpful reviews for the journal were provided by Larissa Dobrzhinetskaya and by H.-J. Massonne. I thank these workers and Stanford University for support.

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Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO) studies on Himalayan high- and ultrahigh-pressure eclogites are reported. Subduction-related peak eclogite facies (omphacite, garnet, quartz, rutile) and exhumation-related post-eclogite facies (hornblende, epidote, titanite) minerals were investigated to understand subduction and exhumation-related deformation regimes. Petrographic features from the studied eclogite samples show preferably shape-oriented omphacites coexisting with random to weakly shape-oriented garnets, and overgrown by hornblende and symplectites. Quartz grains are also randomly shape-oriented in the eclogite matrix whereas epidote grains display shape-preferred orientations. Based on EBSD data, an L-type CPO was dominant in omphacites in the studied eclogites, exhibited by the maximum density of [001] axes parallel to the lineation and the high density of poles to the (010) and (110) planes forming girdles perpendicular to the foliation. This CPO likely developed in a constrictional strain regime during the peak eclogite-facies conditions due to dislocation creep and is associated with an intra-crystalline (110) [001] and (110) <110> slip systems. EBSD data of garnets exhibit complex fabric, suggesting they most likely behaved like rigid objects in the presence of omphacite, indicating insignificant plastic deformation. EBSD data of quartz in high-pressure eclogites show irregular CPO but in ultrahigh-pressure eclogites the fabric is relatively strong. EBSD data of rutile show CPO of [001] axes strongly aligned along the lineation, suggesting its deformation was coeval to the omphacite. Titanite, mainly overgrown around rutile, indicates a random CPO different from rutile, suggesting its growth during late-stages. Hornblende in both types of eclogites shows identical fabric to that of omphacite, displaying CPO of [001] axes parallel to the lineation and poles of (010) and (110) planes form girdles perpendicular to the foliation, suggesting topotactic replacement over omphacite during exhumation. The EBSD data, combined with textural features, indicate syn-deformation peak metamorphism as well as preserve records of subsequent exhumation.
Development and passive exhumation of high-pressure shear zones (Blueschist Unit, Syros): Insights from quartz and columnar calcite microstructures
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Quartz and columnar calcite microstructures in two major high-pressure (HP) shear zones (Syros Island, Greece), which carry meta-igneous rocks over calcite marbles, were studied to investigate the deformation conditions associated with their development and exhumation. Quartz-rich bands within the hanging-wall of the shear zones record the deformation during the operation of the shear zones under HP conditions at slightly decreasing temperatures (from 500 °C to 450 °C). At HP conditions, the shear zones are associated with (E)SE-directed shearing under plane strain conditions, as well as with a temporal increase in strain rate of one order of magnitude (from ∼10⁻¹² to ∼10⁻¹¹). Well-preserved columnar calcite within marbles of the footwall indicates that ductile shearing along the shear zones should have abruptly ceased during the early stages of exhumation, passing to a period of relative quiescence within the stability field of aragonite at temperatures ∼430–450 °C. Progressive exhumation and cooling below 400 °C are associated with weak and distributed (E)NE-directed shearing with strain rate slower than ∼10⁻¹⁴. Our results from north(east) Syros indicate a change in transport direction from (W)NW-(E)SE at the deep subduction levels to (W)SW-(E)NE during exhumation. This change is linked to a change in deformation, from localized to weak and distributed revealing that the Blueschist Unit in north(east) Syros was exhumed as a nearly rigid body.
The sedimentary record of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism: a perspective review
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Tracing ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism of crustal rocks through the geological record is a key for understanding the evolution of plate tectonics on Earth due to the linkage with deep subduction processes. Until recently, UHP research was almost exclusively based on the investigation of crystalline rocks, but findings of coesite and diamond inclusions in detrital mineral grains demonstrate that the sedimentary record archives mineralogical evidence for UHP metamorphism. We here review previous attempts to link sediments to UHP sources and the recent findings of detrital UHP garnet, and thoroughly discuss the new approach in the search for UHP metamorphism. The indicative UHP minerals were identified by Raman spectroscopy and include monomineralic coesite and bimineralic coesite + quartz inclusions in detrital garnets from the Scandinavian Caledonides of Norway, the D'Entrecasteaux Metamorphic Complex of Papua New Guinea, and the Central European Variscides of Germany, as well as diamond inclusions in the latter. Garnet chemistry and inclusion assemblages are used to gain information about the origin of these mineral grains and to discriminate different UHP sources. Presumably, the value of information will increase in future studies by considering other detrital containers of UHP minerals such as the ultrastable heavy minerals zircon, rutile, and tourmaline, for which also a range of single-grain provenance tools exist. Abundant monomineralic coesite inclusions in detrital minerals allow for investigating coesite preservation factors and potentially elastic thermobarometry in the coesite stability field. Altogether, the method allows for (i) screening large regions systematically for the presence of UHP rocks, (ii) studying the exhumation history of UHP terranes, and (iii) monitoring the former existence of UHP terranes at the Earth's surface.
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High/ultrahigh-pressure (HP/UHP) metamorphic complexes, such as eclogite and blueschist, are generally regarded as significant signature of paleo-subduction zones and paleo-suture zones. Glaucophane eclogites have been recently identified within the Lancang Group characterized by accretionary mélange in the Changning-Menglian suture zone, at Bangbing in the Shuangjiang area of southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The authors report the result of petrological, mineralogical and metamorphism investigations of these rocks, and discuss their tectonic implications. The eclogites are located within the Suyi blueschist belt and occur as tectonic lenses in coarse-grained garnet muscovite schists. The major mineral assemblage of the eclogites includes garnet, omphacite, glaucophane, phengite, clinozoisite and rutile. Eclogitic garnet contains numerous inclusions, such as omphacite, glaucophane, rutile, and quartz with radial cracks around. Glaucophane and clinozoisite in the matrix have apparent optical and compositional zonation. Four stages of metamorphic evolution can be determined: The prograde blueschist facies (M₁), the peak eclogite facies (M₂), the decompression blueschist facies (M₃) and retrograde greenschist facies (M₄). Using the Grt-Omp-Phn geothermobarometer, a peak eclogite facies metamorphic P-T condition of 3000–3270 MPa and 617–658°C was determined, which is typical of low-temperature ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism. The comparison of the geological characteristics of the Bangbing glaucophane eclogites and the Mengku lawsonite-bearing retrograde eclogites indicates that two suites of eclogites may have formed from significantly different depths or localities to create the tectonic mélange in a subduction channel during subduction of the Triassic Changning-Menglian Ocean. The discovery of the Bangbing glaucophane eclogites may represent a new oceanic HP/UHP metamorphic belt in the Changning-Menglian suture zone.
©2021 China Geology Editorial Office.
Exhumation of Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphic Terranes
2020, Encyclopedia of Geology: Volume 1-6, Second Edition
Most ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks are not simply isolated tectonic fragments but belong to nappe units composed of coherent crustal material (basement and cover sequences) that were parts of passive continental margins. Their formation results from subduction of continental crust to mantle depths. Although subduction along convergent plate boundaries is the rule, UHP metamorphic terranes are only found in some collisional orogens. This has bearing on exhumation of UHP slices to the surface. Because they show thin-aspect ratio and occur as ductile deformed nappes, it is common to assume their formation through subduction and exhumation along continental subduction channels. Nevertheless, there are two types of mechanism for exhumation of UHP slices from deep to shallow. One is the thrust of UHP slices to yield asymmetric structures, and the other is the extrusion of UHP domes to produce more symmetric structures. In either case, the extension a necessary condition for exhumation. In addition to the internal force of buoyancy for exhumation of low-density crustal rocks, external forces such as contraction, shear traction or erosion also play a role in facilitating the exhumation of UHP slices. Although the two types of exhumation mechanism often occur in different collisional orogens, many UHP terranes contain more than one UHP slices showing thrusting before extrusion. Temporally, the slice thrust would proceed in the late stage of continental collision for exhumation of some UHP terranes from mantle depths to the shallowest crust along subduction channels, whereas the domical extrusion would operate in the post-collisional stage for exhumation of many UHP terranes from the deepest to shallowest crustal depths.

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Preservation/exhumation of ultrahigh-pressure subduction complexes

Abstract

Section snippets

Generation of UHP metamorphic complexes

Body-force exhumation of subduction complexes

Rate of ascent

Conductive cooling by subduction zone imbricate faulting

Tectonic aneurysms

Final words

Acknowledgments

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

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Lithos

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Pliocene eclogite exhumation at plate tectonic rates in eastern Papua New Guinea

Nature

Geology and metamorphic evolution of the Sanbagawa belt

Special Publication-Geological Society of London

Mechanical model for subduction–collision tectonics of Alpine-type compressional orogens

Geology

Dynamics of sediment subduction–accretion at convergent margins: short-term modes, long-term deformation, and tectonic implications

Journal of Geophysical Research

Active tectonics and ultrahigh-pressure rocks

Intracrustal detachment within zones of continental deformation

Geology

Exhumation during crustal folding in the Namche Barwa syntaxis

Terra Nova

The Triassic–Jurassic magmatic arc in the Mojave–Sonoran Deserts and the Sierran–Klamath region

Overview of hydrothermal activity associated with active orogenesis and metamorphism: Nanga Parbat, Pakistan Himalaya

American Journal of Science

Coesite and pure pyrope in high-grade blueschists of the Western Alps. A first record and some consequences

Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology

Very-high-pressure metamorphism in the western Alps: implications for subduction of continental crust

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series A

Lithospheric buoyancy and collisional orogenesis: subduction of oceanic plateaus, continental margins, island arcs, spreading ridges, and seamounts

Geological Society of America Bulletin

Subduction-channel model of prism accretion, melange formation and subduction erosion at convergent plate margins: 1. Background and description

Subduction-channel model of prism accretion, melange formation and subduction erosion at convergent plate margins: 2. Implications and discussion

Overview of the geology and tectonics of UHPM

UHPM metamorphic rocks in the Western Alps

A dynamic, scaled model of accretion at trenches and its implications for the tectonic evolution of subduction complexes

Journal of Geophysical Research

Links between erosion, runoff variability and seismicity in the Taiwan orogen

Nature

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Metamorphic characteristics and geotectonic implications of the high-pressure granulites from Namche Barwa, eastern Tibet

Chinese Science Bulletin

Comparison of the Kokchetav and Dabie Shan metamorphic complexes: coesite- and diamond-bearing rocks and UHP–HP accretional–collisional events

International Geology Review

Archimedes and the Tauern eclogites: the role of buoyancy in the preservation of exotic eclogitic blocks

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Tectonic contact between the Franciscan melange and the Great Valley sequence, crustal expression of a Late Mesozoic Benioff zone

Journal of Geophysical Research

Metamorphic zonations on presumably subducted lithospheric plates from Japan, California and the Alps

Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology

Tectonic histories of subduction zones inferred from retrograde blueschist P–T paths

Geology

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Buoyancy-driven, rapid exhumation of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphosed continental crust

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

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A P–T–t path for an (ultra?) high-pressure ultramafic/mafic rock-association and its felsic country-rocks based on SHRIMP-dating of magmatic and metamorphic zircon domains. Example: Alpe Arami (central Swiss alps)

Eastern Alpine tectono-metamorphic evolution: constraints from two-dimensional modeling

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Exhumation of ultrahigh-pressure rocks: thermal boundary conditions and cooling history

Eclogite formation and the rheology, buoyancy, seismicity, and H2O content of oceanic crust

Creation, preservation and exhumation of UHPM rocks

H₂O recycling during continental collision: phase-equilibrium and kinetic considerations

Eclogite formation and the rheology, buoyancy, seismicity, and H₂O content of oceanic crust